State-of-the-art property raises Gokwe profile
THE growing appetite by locals to invest heavily in their rural settings in the country was again evident when a newly- established property in Nembudziya Village near Mtora Business Centre of Gokwe was unveiled amid pomp and fanfare.
The imposing property is owned by miner- cum- businessman Fakazi Sonny Taruthla Moyo.
The lavish unveiling ceremony was characterised by an official opening session presided over by Chief Chireya.
The Taruthla Moyo homestead and nearby business centre were turned into a hive of activity as Fakazi Sonny dedicated the day to formally unveil his newly-built property.
Word of the event spread like veld fire across all frontiers of Gokwe.
On the particular day, a church service was initially conducted, understandably, to solicit blessings from the Almighty God, who is the Creator of all things.
The expensive investment, Taruthla Moyo said, rests in his rural Gokwe home area as a way to touch and keep base with his roots. The indigenous and ancestoral roots of the miner-cum-businessman are deep under Headman Nembudziya area in Chief Chireya territory.
The formal unveiling of the mansion was a memorable and momentous occasion for family, relatives as well as guests. That event, coming at a time when the year is inching towards the end, makes it more pleasurable as another milestone achievement for the industrious miner this year, which was celebrated in a stylish manner.
The home that Sonny built comprises of a state- of- the- art main house, several cottages and guest houses, all en- suite. External ablution facilities are also available in private and public facility style. It also has support apartments for emergencies, granaries and a fully fledged roofed concrete stage for open performances.
His home boasts of traditional and organic artefacts that resemble an attachment to royalty. Magnificent ceilings, tiles and French openings are some of the features bearing awesome designs. There are gothic art features on some sections.
Traditional and foreign tapestry dominate artwork around the homestead. Lighting, heating and water supply facilities are at the convenience of any user.
The top-notch occasion was well prepared for by the hardworking and vigilant legacy investor who ensured that everything went according to plan. Sonny, as he is popularly referred to in social, mining and business circles, treated his guests in a manner surely reserved for royalty. This, happening in the rural settings of Gokwe, made it much more unique.
Four fat beasts were slaughtered for this grand occasion. A wide variety of traditional and exotic foodstuffs, you name it, were all in abundance. Drinks of all types from the traditional opaque beer to the most expensive trendy whiskies one can find were available. Soft drinks were supplied in floods for those who don’t take alcoholic beverages. Others had fun in having both— alcoholic and non- alcoholic drinks.
Local leadership in the area was present to add credence to a rare home opening event deep in the country side.
Sonny has a strong desire to change the narrative of Gokwe and its residents.
“We have done this so as to bring people together and embrace oneness as a people. When we go out to work we would also like to share with them what we may have gained from our labour, hence this event. As a people, we have a bright side as well apart from the smear perceptions created by some sections of society. We want to change that derogatory perception and narrative as we are proud as our own people. We will continue to invest heavily in our rural areas to show we can do what others also do,” said Fakazi Sonny with a proud smile.
The official unveiling event, which ran for two days, was spiced by the presence of gifted bass guitarist Aleck “Baba Shero” Macheso, who dished a top drawer performance.
Fakazi Sonny said he chose to hire the top sungura musician to show respect to his people by doing the best for them.
“Macheso is a humble man. He has shown us that as the people of Gokwe, we are the same as others around the country. We also enjoy being entertained as opposed to negative comments that are thrown around by many deriding us,” said a man who was enjoying braai meat by the yard.
Another guest thanked Fakazi Sonny for having afforded her a chance to see “Extra Basso” perform live on stage for free.
“We used to only hear about Macheso and his music on radio, discs, or watch him on TV and videos. Sometimes we heard what others said about him. This time our own brother Sonny has afforded me a chance to see this musician live with my own eyes. He is my all time favourite. Without this event, I may not have managed to experience this moment. Thank you our brother for being considerate to this extent. We never go to the shows for different reasons, especially because of our culture,” said a middle aged lady who only identified herself as Nyaradzo.
People from as far afield as Munyati, Binga, Hurungwe, Sanyati, Mhondoro, Kadoma and of course, the capital Harare, made the excitement filled long journey to be part of the festivities.
Chigiyo music proponent Phillip Chinembiri and his Mighty Hands Band warmed the stage for the energetic Macheso. The dreadlocked Chinembiri, who put a show to justify his presence, was the supporting the main act while firebrand radio personalities Godfrey ‘Captain’ Gweje, Juliet Mazani- Tizivepihama and Kwaziso- Ukubingelelana presenter Samukeliso Ncube were roped in to direct the proceedings.
After the official opening session of the imposing house by Chief Chireya, assisted by Headman Nembudziya and Headman Makore, the gathered and curious crowd drowned in entertainment through music, dance, food and drink till late.
It was really a moment to savour.
A Nyau group chipped in with a borrowed cultural flavour, much to the excitement of all and sundry.
The music by Macheso reverberated into the jungle surroundings of Gokwe. One can be forgiven to imagine the hyenas giving sway in the forest with alert hares darting to safety and shaken bushbucks scurrying for cover in the thicket.
Festivities spilled into the morning with a good number showing signs of going on with the rare celebrations.
While the masses were celebrating and enjoying the fruits of Fakazi’s labour, they were at the same time reminded by one of their own through his works that it is important to remember your roots.
A school of thought alludes to such connection through building strong relationships with relatives, friends, visitors and authorities. From the way they conducted business, respecting one’s culture to the core was shown to be a part of a way of life for the Taruthla Moyo family. It, arguably, is a cardinal ingredient for prosperity since Sonny did everything in the book on the cultural front.
As has been reported widely in the media, indigenous people are finding a citadel in investing in rural areas, adding a new impetus for development in the country. Most rural areas around the country now proudly show off modern residential infrastructure.
The crowd, comprising the young and old, sang along at the top of their voices displaying deep attachment to the music, the house and the festivities.
They all danced with reckless abandon. Gokwe is fired up.